Bernard Pierce signs contract with Ravens

Posted by Josh Alper on May 10, 2012, 3:22 PM EST

Getty Images

The Ravens have agreed to a four-year contract with running back Bernard Pierce, their third-round pick in last month’s draft.

Aaron Wilson of the Carroll County Timesreported the signing on Thursday. Baltimore traded the 91st and 164th picks to the Falcons for the chance to take Pierce with the 84th overall pick. With Ricky Williams gone, the Ravens need a running back to play behind Ray Rice and Pierce is the frontrunner for the job since the Ravens have said they aren’t planning on adding a veteran.

Pierce ran for 1,481 yards and scored a school-record 27 touchdowns at Temple last season. Pierce, who left school early, should be a good fit for the Ravens’ system as a one-cut runner who doesn’t waste much time heading downfield. He ran a 4.49 40 leading up to the draft, but that speed was rarely evident as a major reason for his productivity on the field.

With Pierce in the fold, the Ravens have just two draft picks left to sign.